Disney Presents The Music Man (2003 TV Film)
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Free Music Notes for Disney Presents The Music Man (2003 TV Film)
Free Music Review: It holds its own, but it doesn't top the '62 version
Hit: 4 Stars
Of course this TV production of THE MUSIC MAN, which aired tonight on ABC Television Network, cannot hold a candle to the productions and recordings that have gone before it. That said, though, this production is praiseworthy in several areas. The score is beautifully sung (although I don't care for the new orchestral arrangements). This remake is also adequately cast (but the woman playing Marion really stands out as fabulous). I know there is no Robert Preston. I know there is no Shirley Jones or Barbara Cook. And I know there is no Paul Ford, Pert Kelton, or Hermione Gingold. But we have to give this cast credit. They pull it off very well. A very praiseworthy production.Even though this new remake is very good, the 1962 film, starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones, is still the definitive version. If you haven't done so, DO take advantage of its beautiful transfer to DVD, which contains several extras as well.
As far as the recording of this remake goes... I'd still have to say that the Movie Soundtrack and the 1957 Original Cast Album should still be the albums of choice, although this one would be a good alternative.
Overall, Disney has done right by this remake. Lets be glad it didn't suffer at the mercy of Disney as did the behemoth 1997 remake of R&H's Cinderella. Talk about destroying a classic! If you want Cinderella, stick with the '65 version.
Free Music Review: who are they kidding?? Matthew Broderick can't sing!
Hit: 4 Stars
I think the casting in this version of the film is a little disturbing. I'm not quite sure why they chose Matthew Broderick to play the part of the music man. He does bring a very nice charm to the character, but considering the movie is all about music, ...SHOULDN'T THE MAIN CHARACTER AT LEAST KNOW HOW TO SING??? Ok, so he does sing, but it's no where near as good as Robert Preston's performance in the first version of this film.
I saw the version with Shirley Jones and Robert Preston, and I fell in love with it. I loved Shirley Jones' singing, and Robert Preston's as well. When my mom bought this version, I was hesitant, and it turned out I had all the reason to be.
Honestly, I'm not trying to offend the story or anything, I personally love it, but Matthew Broderick isn't a singer, and whoever played Marion, well, her voice just doesn't fit the character.
If you want to see the Music Man, I would suggest the version with Shirley Jones and Robert Preston. Much better music. However, if you just want to see Matthew Broderick acting, then by all means, go ahead and get it, he is an excellent actor, ...just not a singer!
I'm giving it four out of five stars for effort. It could have been great with two different main actors...
Free Music Review: Pleasant, small scale performance
Hit: 4 Stars
While the original Broadway cast recording and subsequent recordings of The Music Man play on a large scale for a venue the size of an opera house, this version plays for a far more intimate setting-mainly a home theater. Instead of blustering his way through a performance, Broderick is almost conversational in tone. It's a more subdued take on the role, more reticent but, in a few songs, more lyrical. In fact, Broderick actually sings The Sadder But Wiser Girl instead of approaching it like a comic-buffo recitative. He knows to sing the long phrases of Marian the Librarian in a full arc, swelling a dynamic range within the note- a welcome change, if not a definitive performance of these songs.
Unlike Chenoweth's solo recital of Broadway tunes, the recording engineers on this cd know how to capture the full bloom of her radiant voice, displaying her wonderful tone and purity. However, after consulting my score of The Music Man, one does wonder why she sings My White Knight a key lower. She is certainly capable of singing it in the original key.
The rest of the cast sound vibrant and polished. It is a fresh cast who, with new orchestrations, bring a contemporary and polished sheen to this new recording.
Free Music Review: Poor Matthew Broderick!
Hit: 4 Stars
It's one thing to be upstaged by Kristin Chenoweth-a classically trained vocalist, but another thing completely to be upstaged by a 5-year-old missing his two front teeth and a host of Canadian Actors who have never sung a note in their LIVES!For the film, Broderick just stood there and every so often opened his mouthed, and when feeling ambitious, would blink, this CD captures all that enthusiasm!
LUCKLY, the rest of the cast is just so talented (Cheonoweth) and/or amusing (Debra Monk/Molly Shannon ect). Watching the film, you can see Chenoweth struggling to contain her performance as to not upstage the *star*, but she still shines and radiates! The Piano Lesson is funny and My White Night/Goodnight my Someone are both Heartbreaking.
If this was a perfect world, we would have had Robert Preston & Chenoweth on the same recording. Sigh.
So-if you're a Broderick fan, you'll be disapointed that he's not up to par, but if you're a Chenoweth fan, or even a fan of great vocal performances, this is a great CD. The delivery of the first few lines of Til There was You is just captivating!
Free Music Review: Great singers supported by an AMAZING singer
Hit: 4 Stars
Alright, this review is somewhat biased, being a Kristin Chenoweth fan. However, I must say that it seems as if she's leading everyone through the songs.
For instance, in the song "Marian," Matthew Broderick gives a great performance, but in the movie, it seems as if Kristin's comedic timing with his words seem to lead the song on a bit, and give it a bit more meaning.
"Till There Was You," though, is truly amazing, and I would rate it one of the best songs on this CD. Chenoweth's start into the song and Broderick's entrance halfway through is unparalleled.
Overall, I think this is a great CD if you are a fan of the movie. If you're more of a fan of Robert Preston, I would suggest getting the original soundtrack.